Story Notes: Thank you for reading this story. I've loved seeing the views go up and up. I hope you have enjoyed reading. Please favourite, Follow and review. Home by Isobel Waller-Bridge is a stunning accompaniment to this chapter. I wrote the chapter whilst listening to it. The piece is from an animation called The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse and the music is stunning. The full playlist I used to write this story should be up on my fanfiction bio by now. Some of the new artists I've found have been so instrumental to my writing playlist. I love to listen to music when I'm writing and the pieces below are just stunning. Thank you for reading this far and I hope this chapter is okay because I didn't want to make it too long.

Chapter Summary: As Tintin and Haddock prepare to leave, Muskar expresses his gratitude.

Suggested Music

1. Home - Isobel Waller-Bridge

2. Memory - Andre Rieu

3. Cortege - John Lunn and The Chamber Orchestra Of London

4. All Human Beings (Voiceless Mix) - Max Richter & Mari Samuelsen & Robert Ziegler

5. On the Nature of Daylight - Max Richter Orchestra & Lorenz Dangel

X

As Tintin placed the last of his clothes, his gaze moved to the window, watching as Kristofor chased his giggling son around the gardens. He fell onto the end of the bed. Even after 10 days of well-earned rest, he couldn't pull himself away from the palace.

Muskar's health had slightly improved but he couldn't erase the seriousness of his illness. The journey ahead would be tough but he knew the King would fight until the end.

Several appointments confirmed the worst and the aftermath of the incident only made him question himself. Even though everything had been shared between his family, the King still privately questioned his morality and how his brother could betray him like that.

Tintin had tried to stay positive, but his fears kept returning, threatening to overtake him completely.

The birth of Muskar Tobiasz brought so much Joy to the people of Syldavia as well as Muskar and the family. They were all glad that someone good had come out of something bad.

He continued to sit on the end of the bed with only Snowy for company who'd snuggled against his side. He couldn't even tell how much time had passed until the sound of gravel crushed beneath tyres roused him from his state.

He pulled himself onto his feet and grabbed his case before Olek had the chance to blare the horn and disturb the tranquillity of the morning. Sunlight streamed through every window. No clouds prevented it.

Tintin closed his eyes embracing the sweet morning and the warm sunlight shining upon his face. Bird song softly echoed through the gardens and into the palace. The day couldn't have started any better, but he didn't want it to end.

Tintin dropped his suitcase next to the stairs and headed back to Muskar's office. He couldn't go without a talk first. He gently knocked on the door and entered upon hearing Muskar's voice. He shut the door behind him, a little surprised to see Kristofor in the office.

"Tintin, I'm glad you're here," Muskar beamed, smiling.

Tintin sat down opposite him,

"I don't know how to thank you.."

You don't have to, Tintin thought, fighting back his tears

"You've done so much.."

"Seeing you happy with your family is the greatest reward I could ever have," Tintin stated softly.

"I'm honoured to call you my friend,"

Tintin smiled proudly, but he could feel tears starting to slip down his cheeks.

I don't want to go…

Muskar struggled to his feet, but aided by his son he walked to him. He'd never seen the king so humbled. He expected a handshake, he didn't predict what would happen next. As Muskar embraced him he reciprocated, now unable to stop his tears. He'd grown so close to Muskar in the time they had been together that this goodbye seemed even harder.

As they stepped back, he prayed they would meet again.

"Thank you ... for everything.." his voice broke and his eye's filled as Kristofor passed his father his walking stick.

"You are a rare man in this world, Tintin," Kristofor exclaimed. "If it weren't for you...You saved my father's life. You saved us.. and no one listened. I owe you everything."

Kristofor shook his extended hand and then pulled him into a tight hug.

As they made their way outside to the terrace, the sound of Prince Wojtek chuckling filled the air. Haddock and Olek chatted next to the car, laughing and joking. A good sight to see, considering the alternative. He glanced up and smiled, but Ariadna's gentle hand on his shoulder drew his attention.

"Thank you. Tintin."

Tintin smiled but his gaze dropped to the newborn, half asleep in her arms

"How is he, Muskar?" Tintin asked quietly, unwilling to disturb him.

"Happy and healthy... thanks to you," Adriadna replied. Her soothing voice gave him a comfort he'd never felt before. "When he grows up I will tell him all about the man who saved us, the great reporter Tintin. We will never forget you,"

Kristofor picked up Wojtek, causing him to chuckle, before holding him close to his chest. Tintin's briefly avoided his gaze to stop himself from bursting into tears.

I wish I... I wish I'd had a family like this…

He squeezed her hand and took a deep breath as he trudged down to the car. He paused as he opened the door to the car and looked back to see Kristofor with his arms around his wife with one hand on the baby's head.

Until we meet again, and we will meet again. Tintin was sure of that.